Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for manufacturing a transaction card. The disclosed apparatuses and methods may be used to form a transaction card frame configured to house a data storage component. The card frame may be formed of a resin mixture comprising a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The card frame may also have a Shore D hardness in the range of 20-80.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for coupling components within a downhole motor drivetrain, and particularly to improving the torque carrying characteristics through threaded couplings in the drivetrain that extends between the mud motor and the drill bit. The described downhole motor drivetrain includes one or more threaded couplings, with each coupling configured to define a gap to accept a spacer having a dimension within a range of sizes. The dimension of the selected spacer placed in the threaded coupling facilitates establishing a desired balance of the force loading at each of two contact regions of the coupling. In many examples, the two contact regions of the coupling will be located on opposite sides of the threaded region.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide systems and techniques for a computerized orchestration layer that allows financial institutions to make real-time inquiries to other financial institutions when presented with a financial instrument. In some embodiments, disclosed systems and techniques may provide for processing a real-time payment at a depository bank. In some other embodiments, disclosed systems and techniques may provide for processing a real-time payment at a paying bank.

Abstract: A tool for suspending in a well retrieves various metal debris from the well, and includes an elongated tool body with a plurality of magnets included in a plurality longitudinal ridges which are circumferentially spaced. In the method a plurality of magnets can be positioned within openings, recesses, or pockets in each ridge, and held in place by one or more retaining plates, the tool being connected to a drill string and lowered into a well.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system that facilitates optimization of passenger pick-up. During operation, the system generates, by a first mobile computing device associated with a passenger at a first location, a request for a target location at which to meet with a vehicle. The system receives the target location and a planned passenger route for the passenger to the target location, which are calculated based on a location, facing direction, and direction of movement, if any, of the vehicle, and wherein the target location is different from the first location, thereby facilitating optimization of a time duration and route the passenger takes to meet the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide systems and techniques for a computerized orchestration layer that allows financial institutions to make real-time inquiries to other financial institutions when presented with a financial instrument. In some embodiments, disclosed systems and techniques may provide for processing a real-time payment at a depository bank. In some other embodiments, disclosed systems and techniques may provide for processing a real-time payment at a paying bank.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to driver profiling, and more particularly to system and method for driver profiling corresponding to automobile trip. In one embodiment, the method includes selectively computing, based on GPS data captured during a trip, features such that a first set of features are computed at a computation device and a second set of features are computed at a cloud server. The first and second set of features differs in computational complexity level. Said features include statistical data for attributes computed from the GPS data. The features corresponding to the trip are stored at repository associated with the cloud server. The repository includes previously precomputed features data associated with a set of driver profiles for previously completed trips. A driver profile corresponding to the trip is identified from amongst the set of driver profiles based on comparison of the plurality of features and the previously computed features data.

Abstract: It is shown that CD25-targeted near-infrared photo-immunotherapy causes a unique, rapid and spatially selective depletion of Tregs leading to regression of the treated tumor and inducing systemic immunologic responses in untreated tumors. Based on these observations, provided are compositions and methods of killing immune suppressor cells, for example to treat cancer. Reducing the number of suppressor cells in a subject can remove suppression of effector T cells, for example, to treat cancer using the subject's own immune system. In particular examples, the method includes contacting suppressor cells having a suppressor cell surface protein with an antibody-IR700 molecule, wherein the antibody specifically binds to the suppressor cell surface protein, and in some examples the antibody does not have a functional Fc region. The cell is subsequently irradiated, such as at a wavelength of 660 to 740 nm, for example at a dose of at least 4 J cm?2.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a storage container that includes a first compartment that has an upper mouth-defining structure, a base portion, and at least one wall extending from the base, forming a cavity therein. A second compartment has an upper mouth-defining structure, a base portion, and at least one wall extending from the base, forming a cavity therein. The container contains a lid that is fixable to the upper mouth-defining structure of the second compartment, wherein the lid has a top surface and a bottom surface.

Abstract: A downhole well device for positioning within a well having a fluid, comprising an outer casing comprising a port, an inner casing at least partially located within the outer casing, seals between the inner casing and the outer casing, a rupture disk located in the port, a substance located in a space between the rupture disk and the inner casing, wherein the substance is exothermically reactive with the fluid, and a sensor configured to detect an exothermic reaction within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of propping created fractures and microfractures in tight formation. The method includes injecting into a wellbore a first pad fluid stage; injecting into the wellbore a second pad fluid stage; injecting into the wellbore a diverting agent; and injecting into the wellbore a main proppant slurry stage; wherein the first pad fluid stage includes an aqueous-based fluid at a rate above the fracturing gradient to create a fracture, wherein the second pad fluid stage includes an aqueous-based fluid and a low concentration of a proppant mixture including a slurry of small proppant materials and/or a slurry of conventional proppant materials to extend the fracture and open up secondary induced fractures, and wherein the main proppant slurry stage includes an aqueous-based fluid and a proppant with a larger size than the small proppant particles in the second pad fluid stage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isotopically labeled calcofluor derivatives and uses of such to detect fungi, such as filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus species, such as by positron emission tomography (PET) scanning.

Abstract: Methods for servicing a hydrocarbon well using natural gas are provided. The method can include preparing a working fluid comprising about 5 vol % to about 100 vol % of natural gas. A quantity of the natural gas in the working fluid can be sufficient to form a heterogeneous phase well servicing mixture of a gaseous phase natural gas and a solid or liquid phase recovery target material under specified well intervention conditions. During the well servicing operation and under the specified well intervention conditions, the working fluid can be injected into the well and mixing the working fluid with the recovery target material in the well to form the heterogeneous phase well servicing mixture. The natural gas can be in a gas phase and can serve as a carrier fluid for the recovery target material. At least a portion of the heterogeneous phase well servicing mixture can be recovered at surface.

Abstract: A method and system for blood pressure (BP) estimation of a person is provided. The system is estimating pulse transit time (PTT) using the ECG signal and PPG signal of the person. A plurality of features are extracted from the PPG. The plurality of PPG features and the PTT are provided as inputs to an automated feature selection algorithm. This algorithm selects a set of features suitable for BP estimation. The selected features are fed to a classifier to classify the database into low/normal BP range and a high BP range. The correctly classified normal BP data are then used to create a regression model to predict BP from the selected features. The current methodology uses automated feature selection mechanism and also employs a block to reject extreme BP data. Thus the available accuracy in predicting BP is expected to be more than the existing BP estimation methods.

Abstract: A material detection and sealing device includes a body comprising a bottom end and a top end, and configured to fit within a casing string. The device includes a valve located within the body configured to open and close an orifice formed through the body. The device also includes a density meter located on or within the body configured to continuously sense the density of a neighboring fluid. The valve is configured to close upon the density meter sensing a certain density condition.

Abstract: A method of treating in a subterranean formation including combining an aqueous base fluid and an anionic surfactant to form a first solution; hydrating a cationic polymer with the first solution to form a viscous fluid; combining the viscous fluid with a proppant thereby forming a treatment fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation. A method of making a well treatment fluid including combining an aqueous base fluid and an anionic surfactant to form a first solution; hydrating a cationic polymer with the first solution to form a viscous fluid; and combining the viscous fluid with a proppant thereby forming a treatment fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a repair or purchase program that may be associated with a common carrier. In various embodiments, one or more bids for a target item are received prior to receiving a listing for an item. After receiving the listing for the item, one or more relevant bids may be identified. Information associated with at least one of the identified bids may be provided. A user selection of one of the identified bids may be received. Completion of the transaction indicated by the user's selection may be facilitated. Associated methods, systems, and computer program products are provided.

Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize anthrax lethal factor (LF), edema factor (EF), and/or protective antigen (PA). The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, fully human or humanized antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.